Numerous different commercial producers contribute to Kentucky's overall vegetable production output. At least six produce auctions market vegetables commercially multiple times per week in the state, and the majority of producers contributing to these auctions are limited in their ability to use rapid communication methods, either by choice or through necessity. Most of these are plainclothes producers, comprised of Amish, Mennonite, or other Anabaptist groups, who are quite knowledgeable about crop production but may need more rapid communications methods for pressing pest management concerns. One example of the need for these rapid communications is emphasized by a disease like downy mildew of pumpkin: without timely fungicide application, this disease can completely destroy plant foliage in the span of two weeks under conducive environmental conditions. Timely fungicide application can save a crop, however, this is most effectively accomplished prior to disease introduction into the area. Awareness of an area's risk for downy mildew impact is a critical part of effective management.

In collaboration with the Christian County extension office team, the vegetable pathologist instituted the VegIPM phone-in hotline in 2017 and has continued the hotline in 2018. Specialists from the departments of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Horticulture contribute weekly content focused on timely issues affecting vegetable producers throughout the growing season. This encompasses emerging insect pests, pressing disease concerns, spray program recommendations, and herbicide utilization and application planning. Users phone in to listen to the pre-recorded message, utilizing a communication channel that otherwise technology-limited producers readily embrace. The toll-free hotline has been advertised through county extension agents, produce auction newsletters, and through word-of-mouth by producers. 

From February to late June 2018, a total of 470 calls were received into the hotline. Participation has grown slightly through the course of the season, and currently averages around 31 calls per week. Advertising for the hotline will continue to expand, with extension agents giving feedback that even their non-plainclothes producers are interested in utilizing the hotline for succinct, timely information on vegetable crop production.